Names to know from the May 1st Sharp Performance Showcase
Sharp Showcase spotlights many of Kansas' top players
The Sharp Showcase was held in Wichita, Saturday, May 1st. It turned the spotlight on several of the state's top players with combine style testing and position specific drills. The day wrapped up with competitive one-on-ones.
Here are a few participants who stood out:
Reed Adelhardt, Garden Plain, RB/LB, 6-0, 182, 2022 (@AdelhardtReed): The son of second year Garden Plain head coach Dan Adelhardt (previously at Kapaun), Reed is one of the top returning players in 2A and put up solid numbers at Saturday's Showcase running 4.78 in the 40, posting a 9-2 broad jump and a 29.6 inch vertical. Reed rushed for 1,179 yards and 15 TDs last season and tallied 67 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 sacks and an interception. He's also a key piece of the Owl wrestling team and earned All-Academic Honorable Mention from the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association.
Manny Aguilar, Cimarron, WR/DB/K, 5-11, 170, 2022 (@Aguilar_E7): Manny made the most noise after the majority of the event was all wrapped up. Part of a small group of kickers who stayed around to put toe to leather, Aguilar showed off excellent technique and posted a personal best 65-yard field goal. An incredible feat even with the wind at his back. Aguilar is a rising kicking prospect who is even starting to receive interest from FBS programs.
Braxton Bailey, McPherson, OL, 6-2, 303, 2022 (@BraxtonBailey9): Bailey was unable to participate in most of the combine drills because of a nagging injury, but he did bench press and cranked out 19 reps at 225 to improve on his performance from two weeks ago at the free combine. Bailey has a big frame and has developed significantly the last two seasons, going from a part-time varsity player to a full-time varsity starter who earned honorable mention AVCTL recognition for his play.
Caiden Barber, Pittsburg, RB, 5-11, 187.2, 2022 (@BarberCaiden): Barber showed why he is one of the top prospects in Kansas and performed well in spite of complications from a March 29th tonsillectomy that led to a blood clot and second surgery a week later which didn't see him fully recover until April 14th. Even so, Barber still posted a 4.62 40, 4.45 pro agility, 35.6 inch vertical and 8-9 broad jump along with 9 bench reps at 225. Also showed nice feet in bag drills and great route running. Coaches and media in attendance constantly referred to Barber as "explosive" and called him a special football player. Barber rushed for 1,078 yards and 11 TDs last fall.
Camden Barta, Topeka Seaman, S/QB, 6-3, 197, 2022 (@camden_barta): Barta continues to impress at these events. Improved his 40 to 4.61, his pro agility to 4.4, his bench reps to 11 at 225, and his vertical to 34 inches. His broad jump of 9-4 was three inches shy of his leap at the April 17th event but still in the Top 5 on the day. Barta continues to generate interest from D2, FCS and FBS programs and continued good camping coupled with a great fall season could move him up the state rankings in his class.
Holden Bass, Nemaha Central, OL/DL, 6-3, 258, 2024 (@HoldenBass): Continue to be impressed with this freshman from Nemaha Central. Lowered his 40 time to 4.96 and his pro agility to 4.62. Did 9 bench reps at 225 and matched up with some of the biggest, toughest upperclassmen in one-on-ones and held his own. Recently posted a PR in shot put of 46-2 to go along with 132-6 in the discus and is well on his way to being one of the top throwers in Kansas over the next three seasons. Also one of the happiest kids on the field, rarely without a smile on his face.
Gavin Bell, El Dorado, OL/DL, 6-3.75, 258, 2022 (@GavinBell66): Bell generated significant interest at the Sharp Performance Showcase along with several of his teammates from El Dorado. Plays for his father, Wes Bell, a former DII defensive coordinator who has made significant strides in just two seasons with a Wildcat program that has struggled for years. After a 5-3 season a year ago that included two losses by 5 and 3 points and a competitive 36-14 loss to state power Buhler, the Wildcats could have the pieces to take another step this fall, including Gavin. The 6-4, 260 pound senior has generated interest from multiple FCS and FBS programs and will anchor the offensive and defensive lines. Showed solid explosion (8-3 broad jump), lateral quickness (4.51 pro agility) and strength (14 bench reps at 185).
Nolan Bevan, Valley Center, RB/DB, 5-5.5, 150.4, 2023 (@nolan_bevan): Continues to be one of the fastest at these events running 4.44 in the 40 and 4.37 in the pro agility. Undersized, but can run away from and around defenders.
Quentin Born, Andover, DB, 6-1, 171, 2022 (@BornQuentin): Born had a nice day at Saturday's event running 4.62 in the 40, 4.45 in the pro agility, posting a 30.6 inch vertical and jumping 9-0 in the broad jump.
Trey Buckbee, McPherson, WR/DB, 6-3, 180, 2022 (@TREYBUCKBEE35): Buckbee continues to show why he is one of the top players in the Class of 2022 running great times (4.67 40, 4.37 pro agility) and running great routes in one-on-ones. He also shows explosion and jumping ability with a 9-2 broad jump and 33.1 inch vertical and all this coming off an illness that has him below his typical playing weight. Buckbee caught 53 passes for 672 yards and 8 TDs for the Bullpups last fall.
Ethan Burton, Council Grove, QB/WR/DB, 5-11.5, 165.2, 2023 (@Ethanb_17): An intriguing prospect who showcased exceptional jumping ability, Burton could emerge as the Braves' starting QB this fall. Saw limited playing time as a sophomore due to injury but displayed versatility completing 7 of 14 passes for 70 yards, rushing 23 times for 91 yards and a TD and catching 3 passes for 95 yards and another score to go along with 9 total tackles. Ran 4.69 in the 40 and was among the top 5 in both the vertical and broad jumps with leaps of 35 inches and 9 feet, 4 inches respectively. If Burton doesn't take the reins at QB this fall he'll continue as WR and DB.
Christoper Cain, Mission Valley, OL, 6-6, 243, 2022 (@Christo52938768): After showcasing his potential at the April 17th Combine and again last Saturday, Cain received his first collegiate offer this week from Hutchinson Community College. At Saturday's event he improved his bench reps to 10 at 185 and again ran 5.2 in the 40 and 4.8 in pro agility while also posting a 7-5 broad jump. Tremendous upside for this previously unknown player out of Mission Valley.
Evan Cantu, Maize South, RB, 5-8.5, 188.8, 2022 (@evancantu22): Cantu put on another bench press clinic at Saturday's event posting 24 reps at 225 for the top number on the day. He also again showcased overall athleticism with a 4.63 40, 4.3 pro agility and 29.3 inch vertical. In a tweet from the Maize South football account this week coaches emphasized that Cantu is "more than a weight lifter, moves piles, versatile, reliable hands out of the backfield too." He was a thousand yard rusher last season for the Mavericks and earned second team All-League honors, all after not starting until the fourth game of the season.
Samuel Culp, Sedgwick, OL/DL, 6-5.5, 221, 2022 (@samculp_): Culp showed off a skill set that explains why he is one of the top returning linemen in 1A. Standing 6-6 and weighing 220 pounds Culp floated through 40 yards in 4.86 seconds, showed lateral quickness with a time of 4.42 in the pro agility drill and was one of the top performers in the vertical jump among all linemen at the event with a leap of 28 inches. He added 13 bench reps at 225 and held his own in one-on-ones. He'll should also boost any teams GPA after scoring a 31 on the ACT. He currently holds an offer from Bethel and has interest from K-State and many others. Culp and returning QB Lance Hoffshommer will lead Sedgwick's effort to make a deeper run in the playoffs this fall.
Drew Daniels, Andover Central, OL/DL, 6-2, 266.4, 2022 (@DrewDaniels_68): Part of a highly touted group of interior players back for the Jaguars, Daniels will team up with Andrew Mann and Isaac Sheeran to give coach Derek Tuttle a fearsome front in the trenches. Tested well at the Showcase running 5.14 in the 40, 4.73 in the pro agility, posting a 26.5 inch vertical and jumping 8-2 in the broad jump. Added 12 reps at 225 on bench and looked good in one-on-ones. One coach in attendance offered high praise for Daniels after watching film, saying: "He plays stronger than he currently is and that is an awesome thing to have. As his strength improves, he is going to be a bulldozer. He plays with accurate and heavy hands, attacks leverage points to sustain blocks and finishes opponents regularly. He gets off the ball with good pad level and delivers a lot of force on down blocks. He looks athletic on the move and seems to always find someone to block. Add 2 inches and he is an elite Kansas prospect." Daniels has a 3.93 GPA and currently holds a Bethel offer to go along with interest from Hutchinson Community College, University of Central Missouri and many others.
Dagen Dean, Chanute, WR/DB, 6-2.5, 196, 2022 (@DagenDean): The 2023 WR tested well and could be part of a group of talented skill players that could team up with Blue Comet QB Eric Erbe to drive an explosive offense. Dean ran 4.7 in the 40, 4.44 in the pro agility and showed off a 30.6 inch vertical jump.
Terrell Elliott, Garden City, DL, 6-0.5, 291, 2022 (@T_Elliott5): The younger brother of current University of Indiana defensive tackle Demarcus Elliott the Garden City 2022 defensive lineman ran 5.2 in the 40, 4.8 in the pro agility and posted a 24 inch vertical jump and showed great energy, quickness and physicality in one-on-ones. Elliott, who is one of the top shot putters in 6A (PR 52-4.5) holds offers from Army, Air Force and Garden City Community College, where both his father and brother played before moving on to Power 5 programs. One coach in attendance had several good things to say about Elliott at Saturday's Showcase, saying: "He is a stick of dynamite on the line of scrimmage. He is really violent and strong. He has some short area quickness to avoid blocks but he usually just blows them up. He at times shows the ability to bend from the DE position but it is not a strength of his. His highlights showed a lot of hustle and effort."
*Weston Fries, Salina South, 6-0, 159.6, QB, 2023 (@fries_weston): The 2023 QB enjoyed a breakout sophomore season throwing for over 1,500 yards and 16 TDs to earn honorable mention All-AVCTL I. At Saturday's Combine he displayed good speed with 40s in the low 4.7s and nice explosiveness with a 31.9 inch vertical jump and an 8-11 broad jump. The South coaching staff is very high on Fries and expects big things from him this fall. Another year of development and Fries could climb the recruiting rankings in the Class of 2023.
*Showcase update: Fries improved his 40 time to a high 4.5 and also looked good throwing the ball in one-on-ones.
Brody Gormley, Topeka Seaman, 6-6, 208, TE/DE, 2022 (@brody_gormley): Gormley continues to display tremendous athleticism for his size running 4.53 in the 40 and broad jumping 9-5 with a 31 inch vertical at last Saturday's Showcase. He also bench pressed 225 for 9 reps, even more impressive considering his long arms. If Gormley continues to camp well this summer and can put together a quality senior season he could have a very high ceiling as far as college playing opportunities.
Braxton Harrison, Cimarron, 5-11, 183, QB/DB, 2022 (@Braxton38936508): Harrison improved all his marks from the April 17th Combine running a 4.56 40, a 4.3 pro agility, a 33.7 inch vertical, a 9-3 broad jump and 5 reps at 185 in bench. He also showed off the strongest arm on the day in one-on-ones and effortlessly threw the ball 60 yards into the wind after the event was over. As a junior Harrison combined to rush and pass for more than 1,700 yards with 20 total TDS. He added 55 tackles with 5 TFLs, 5 interceptions and a punt block on defense.
Cody Hawks, Eisenhower, 6-0, 219, LB, 2022 (@codyhawks2): Hawks continues to fly under the radar in spite of totaling 174 tackles over the past two seasons and continuing to post incredible combine numbers. At last Saturday's Sharp Showcase Hawks ran a 4.59 40 and posted 15 reps at 225 on bench. While he also posted a 4.5 in the pro agility he has previously ran a personal best of 4.27 in the test. Hawks is also one of the state's top powerlifters with competition bests of 300 pounds in the bench press and 460 in the squat.
J.C. Heim, Washburn Rural, 6-1, 178, RB/LB, 2024 (@heim_jc): Just a freshman, Heim posted excellent numbers at the Sharp Showcase with a 4.75 40, 4.34 pro agility, 9-0 broad jump, 7 reps at 185 on bench and a 28.3 inch vertical. If his play matches his testing ability the next three seasons for this Junior Blue could be good ones.
Cooper Henson, Holcomb, 6-3, 170, TE/OLB, 2022 (@coop_henson): Henson could be ready for a breakout season after posting 216 yards receiving on 20 catches with 3 TDs and adding 51 tackles with 3 sacks last fall as a junior. He earned honorable mention All-GWAC and Sports in Kansas Non-Senior recognition for his efforts. Henson tested well at last Saturday's event running 4.57 in the 40, jumping 31.5 inches in the vertical and posting a 9-3 broad jump. He added 6 reps at 185 on bench. Henson is the grandson of former Garden City Community College standout Doyle McGraw, who went on to play in the NFL.
Owen Herd, South Central, 5-11, 192, TE/FB/DE, 2022 (@owenrherd): One of 8-Man's most devastating defensive players, Herd accounted for 61 total tackles with 14.5 for loss last season. Herd now has 197 total tackles with an incredible 48.5 for losses in his first three years of high school football. Herd is also a versatile offensive player for the Timberwolves lining up at offensive guard, tight end and fullback at different times last season. He rushed for 349 yards on 57 carries with 5 TDs and caught 2 passes for 58 yards. At last Saturday's Showcase Herd ran 4.94 in the 40, 4.78 in the pro agility and posted 13 bench reps at 185. He could carry a heavier load offensively this fall thanks to the graduation of standout running back Jonny Robles.
Lance Hoffsommer, Sedgwick, 6-2, 183, QB, 2022 (@LanceHoffsommer): One of the top returning quarterbacks in 1A this fall Hoffsommer posted incredible numbers as a junior with 1,915 yards passing and 21 TDs against only 3 INTs. Hoffsommer completed 70 percent of his passes last season and looked good in one-on-ones at last Saturday's Showcase. He also posted nice numbers in testing with a 4.63 40, 4.41 pro agility, 34.7 inch vertical and 9-2 broad jump and stood nearly 6-3 and 185 pounds.
Zach Hogan, Hutchinson, 5-10, 168, RB, 2022 (@zachhogan22): Hogan had an outstanding day at last Saturday's Showcase and is one of several players who could help replace standout running back Alec McCuan for the Salthawks this fall. Hogan showed off speed (4.48 40, 4.32 pro agility), explosion (32.5 inch vertical) and strength (10 reps at 225 on bench). Together with Noah Khokhar the Salthawks will have one of the fasted backfields in Kansas this fall.
Kris Hovestadt, Burlingame, 5-8, 148, DB/RB, 2022 (@hovestadt_kris): One of the top returning defensive backs in the class of 2022, Hovestadt set the school record with 10 interceptions last season. He also tallied 49 tackles and a fumble recovery. Hovestadt ran 4.84 in the 40, 4.58 in the pro agility and posted a 27.4 inch vertical jump at last Saturday's Showcase.
Derek Hubbard, Derby, 5-6.5, 144.6, RB, 2024 (@Derek_hubb): While undersized, Hubbard showed off exceptional speed and lateral quickness at last Saturday's event running 4.56 in the 40 and showing off excellent footwork and quickness in bag drills. Hubbard could join forces with FBS prospect Dylan Edwards to create an explosive one-two punch for the Panthers this fall.
Braelyn Jay, Campus, 5-8.5, 155, QB/DB, 2022 (@JBraelyn7): One of the quickest players at Saturday's Showcase, Jay ran 4.47 in the 40 and 4.27 in the pro agility. Film shows an exciting athlete who can make defenders look silly in the open field and a lockdown defender who overcomes his height disadvantage with blanketing opponents.
Gatlin Jewell, South Barber, 6-0, 185.2, QB/ATH/DB, 2022 (@gatlinjewell3): Jewell continues to receive interest from numerous D2, FCS and FBS programs and could be a versatile offensive weapon at the next level. Has great hands and route running ability and while he'll be one of the top quarterbacks in 8-Man football this fall he'll likely transition to a slot receiver, defensive back or possibly even a linebacker in college. Is extremely strong and explosive. Did 12 reps at 225 on bench at Saturday's Showcase but has previously posted video of doing 17 reps at that weight. Posted excellent numbers in the broad (9-4) and vertical (31.8) jumps but was a bit slower than his personal bests in the 40 and pro agility. Ran 4.73 in the 40 and 4.58 in the pro where he typically runs in the low 4.6 range and the high 4.4s in those tests. Accounted for over 2,000 total yards of offense last fall and 32 TDs along with 41 tackles and 3 INTs.
Kaden Johnson, Holcomb, 6-2, 179, QB, 2022 (@kjae_1): One of the top returning quarterbacks in Kansas, Johnson completed 113 of 189 passes for 1,715 yards with 21 TDs against 7 INTs as a junior. Showed off excellent jumping ability with a 32.4 inch vertical jump at last Saturday's Showcase, but showed off his strongest asset in his ability to throw the ball both from the pocket and on the run. Johnson is also a pitcher for the Longhorn baseball team is currently 3-1 with 49 Ks in 27 and 1/3 innings. Also holds a .386 average at the plate with 20 RBIs and 14 stolen bases and a 1.177 OPS. Averaged 5 points and 8 rebounds a game as a role player for the Longhorn basketball team this winter. Currently holds a football offer from Garden City Community College.
Silas Jones, Norton, 5-11, 181.6, RB/LB, 2023 (@Si_Jones5): Jones totaled 222 yards rushing receiving last year and added 51 tackles on defense and expects to have a bigger role for the Bluejays this fall. Also converted 13 of 17 PAT kicks and filled in as the punter for a now graduated senior. Posted good numbers at last Saturday's Showcase running 4.74 in the 40 and 4.44 in the pro agility. Also benched 225 for 5 reps. Showed off a good leg while punting after Showcase one-on-ones.
Camryn Kaufman, Valley Center, 6-2, 187, OLB/S, 2022 (@cam_kaufman9): Watch some film of Kaufman and you'll find yourself impressed. Plays all out all the time and looks to deliver contact whenever possible. Is equally effective as an edge rusher or defending receivers in the open field. Posted the fourth best pro agility at last Saturday's Showcase (4.24) and ran 4.81 in the 40 to go with 14 bench reps at 185. Had 41 tackles, a sack and an interception a year ago and could make the move to free safety this season. Could add weight and play tight end or defensive end in college.
Brandon Kerr, Maize, 6-1, 250, OL, 2022 (@brandonkerr52): If there were an MVP of the line one-on-ones at last Saturday's Showcase, Kerr likely was the winner. Kerr was seldom beaten by opposing defenders - many who were much bigger - and displayed excellent footwork and accurate hands. In testing he ran 5.33 in the 40, 4.74 in the pro agility and posted 15 reps at 225 on bench. Also posted a 7-6 broad jump and 25.6 vertical jump. Was an All Non-Senior pick by Sports in Kansas last fall.
Alex Key, Derby, 6-3, 286.6, OL, 2022 (@alexkey_02): One of the top offensive line prospects in Kansas, Key currently holds offers from Air Force, Eastern Michigan and Dartmouth and has interest from K-State, Harvard and others. Incredibly mobile for his size and a physical blocker who looks to finish with authority. Tested very well at last Saturday's Showcase running 5.15 in the 40, 4.65 in the pro agility, jumping 28.4 inches in the vertical and leaping 8-5 in the standing broad jump. Added 12 bench reps at 225. Also has great all-around strength with personal best one-rep maxes of 500 pounds in the squat, 335 pounds in the clean and 475 in the deadlift.
Noah Khokar, Hutchinson, 5-8, 167.4, QB/RB/WR, 2023 (@noah_khokhar): Another testing event another blazing time for 2023 athlete Noah Khokar. Ran 4.35 in the 40, 4.37 in the pro agility and posted a 33.5 inch vertical jump. Added 10 reps at 185 on bench. Along with 2022 RB Zach Hogan the Salthawks will have one of the fastest backfields in the AVCTL.
Jacob Kirchoff, Smith Center, 6-0, 195, LB, 2022: An honorable mention all-league linebacker for Smith Center and good open field tackler, Kirchoff posted solid numbers at the May 1st Showcase, running 4.89 in the 40, 4.58 in the pro agility and doing 9 bench reps at 225. Together with 2023 standout Jake Sasse will form one of the top returning linebacker tandems in 1A.
Isaac Klug, Newton, 5-10.5, 167, WR, 2023 (@isaacklug5): Showed off good route running and hands in one-on-ones and tested well running 4.74 in the 40, 4.35 in the pro agility, just missing 30 inches in the vertical jump and benching 185 for 5 reps.
James Kriegh, Trego, 5-11, 169.4, RB, 2023 (@JamesKriegh): Burst onto the scene with his performance at last Saturday's Showcase running 4.39 in the 40 and showing good footwork in running back drills. Also jumped 31.3 inches in the vertical, 9-1 in the broad jump and added 7 reps at 185 on bench. Also wrestles and runs track where he is a 21-foot long jumper.
Kai Kunz, Andover Central, 6-1, 182.4, QB, 2022 (@KaiKunz13): Kunz earned rave reviews for his performance in one-on-ones and quarterback drills at last Saturday's Showcase and is poised for a breakout season for the Jaguars after transferring from Kapaun. Film shows a knack for scrambling and throwing on the run with solid arm strength and accuracy along with the footspeed to pull away from defenders in the open field. Tested well at the Showcase running 4.65 in the 40, 4.44 in the pro agility, jumping 33.9 inches in the vertical and benching 185 for 8 reps. Kunz completed 16 of 24 passes for 179 yards with 1 TD and rushed for 304 yards and 4 TDs on 48 carries in helping the Crusaders to an 8-2 season in the first year under veteran City League coach Weston Schartz.
Derek Larison, Riverton, 5-11, 208, RB/LB, 2022 (@DerekLarison): An all-state honorable mention running back and state powerlifting champ, Larison is a player to watch for in the smaller classifications this fall. Tested well at last Saturday's Showcase with a 4.7 40, 33 inch vertical and 10 bench reps at 225. Also looked good in linebacker one-on-ones showing good ability in pass coverage. Lifted 1,055 total pounds to win the 220 pound class at 2A State Powerlifting with a 280 pound bench, 445 pound squat and 330 pound clean.
*Angel Luna, Salina Central, 6-3, 263, OL, 2022 (@angelluna_77): Luna displayed an excellent mix of size and mobility at the Saturday April 17th Combine running a 5.24 40, a 4.87 pro agility and posting an 8-1 broad jump. He also did 14 reps at 225 on bench and appears poised to be one of the top lineman in the AVCTL this fall.
*Showcase Update: Luna improved his 40 time at last Saturday's Showcase running 5.12 and added a rep in the bench with 15 at 225. Was a bit inconsistent in one-on-ones, but still showed off the size and skillset that could have him emerge as one of the top offensive linemen in 5A this fall.
Garrett Maltbie, Canton-Galva, 6-1.5, 171.4, QB, 2023 (@GarrettMaltbie): Maltbie is one of the top returning QBs in all of 8-Man football after passing for 1,300 yards with 24 TDs and just 4 INTs and rushing for 900 yards with 15 more scores as a sophomore last fall. Maltbie tested well at the May 1st Showcase running 4.65 in the 40, posting a 31.9 inch vertical and benching 185 11 times. Maltbie will team up with standout wide receiver Tyson Struber to give the Eagles one of the top pass-and-catch combos in all of Kansas.
Andrew Mann, Andover Central, 6-4, 238, OL/DL, 2022 (@Andrew_Mann64): Another in a group of standout interior players for the Jags, Mann is among the top offensive line prospects in Kansas and earned All-League and honorable mention All-State recognition last fall. Has an offer from Butler Community College and interest from K-State, South Dakota, South Dakota State the University of Central Missouri and others. Mann ran 5.28 in the 40, 4.78 in the pro agility, jumped 7-8 in the broad jump and 25.3 in the vertical. Has plenty of room to add weight and strength. Showed good balance and physicality.
Maddox Marcotte, Bishop Carroll, 6-3.5, 254, OL, 2022 (@Ketchup_222): Marcotte displayed great length and athleticism in one-on-ones at the May 1st Showcase. One coach in attendance was impressed with his ability to get out of his stance, lock up with opponents and play "patiently and smart." Marcotte ran 5.24 in the 40, posted a 24.8 inch vertical, a 7-5 broad jump and 12 bench reps at 185.
Blake McCormick, Maize South, 6-2.5, 202, DE, 2022 (@BlakeMc34269872): While McCormick didn't display outstanding straight line speed running 4.98 in the 40 he offered the total package in all other testing areas with a 4.32 pro agility, 32.9 inch vertical jump and 16 bench reps at 225. Also boasts good all-around strength and recently moved into the 1,000 pound club with a 305 pound bench press, 295 pound clean and a 405 pound squat.
*Luke McLaughlin, Rose Hill, 6-1, 171, WR/CB, 2023 (@McLaughlinLuke5): McLaughlin recorded 41 tackles and 7 pass deflections last year as a sophomore and is an intriguing prospect given his mix of height and athleticism. He recorded a 4.65 40 time, a 29.1 inch vertical jump and a 9-0 broad jump at last Saturday's Combine and will look to make an impact on both sides of the ball for an improved Rockets team this fall.
*Showcase update: Ran a 4.62 40, 4.47 pro agility, jumped 30.6 inches in the vertical and 9-4 in the broad jump.
Kenyon McMillan, Salina Central, 5-9, 143.6, RB, 2022 (@Kenyon_mcmillan): Part of what could be a very good backfield for the Mustangs this fall along with back Micah Moore and QB Parker Kavanagh, McMillan ran 4.5 in the 40 and posted a 34 inch vertical at the May 1st Showcase. Needs to add muscle, but is an explosive and shifty runner that should be the lighting to Moore's thunder.
Mario Menghini, Frontenac, 6-1.5, 181.6, WR/RB/ATH/DB, 2023 (@mariomenghini2): Menghini should emerge as one of the top players in southeast Kansas this season after impacting the Raiders in many different ways as a sophomore. A sure-handed pass catcher and physical defensive back Menghini also took snaps at running back and was an impact player in the return game. Embarrasses defenders with impressive first cut ability and explodes out of those cuts into the open field. Appears to have excellent top-end speed with the ability to run away from pursuit or close on opposing offensive players quickly. Ran 4.6 in the 40 and posted 12 reps at 185 on bench at the May 1st Showcase and is sure to continue to increase his profile in the months ahead.
Lane Musselman, Clay Center, 5-11, 152, DB/KR/RB, 2022 (@LaneMusselman): One of the top returning tacklers in the NCKL, Musselman is a proven defender for the Tigers and also a versatile offensive and special teams weapon. Musselman posted 80 total tackles last fall with 2 INTs, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 TFLs. Musselman posted good marks at the May 1st Showcase with a 9-1 broad jump, 30.1 inch vertical, 4.78 in the 40 and 4.32 in the pro agility.
Max Middelton, Andover, 5-11, 178.8, RB, 2022 (@_Max_Middleton_): A 1,000 yard rusher as a junior, Middleton's recruiting interest has picked up in recent weeks with camp invites from K-State, South Dakota and others. Posted some of the best all-around marks at the May 1st Showcase with a 4.62 in the 40, 4.34 in the pro agility, a 32.7 inch vertical jump, 9-2 broad and 9 reps at 225 on bench press.
Andrew O'Doherty, Pittsburg, 5-10, 189, FB/LB, 2022 (@AJOD_1023): O'Doherty, one of the top returning tacklers in southeast Kansas, boasts a good mix of speed and power. Tallied 103 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 3 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries last season. Ran 4.65 in the 40, 4.4 in the pro agility, jumped 30 inches in the vertical jump and added 7 reps at 225 in the bench press. Also runs 11.5 in the 100 meter dash in track and finished third in both bench and squat the Basehor-Linwood Bobcat Invitational Powerlifting meet earlier this year. Has personal bests of 275 in the bench press, 425 in the squat and 255 in the power clean.
Jayden Oquendo, Olathe Northwest, 6-2, 321, DL, 2022 (@jaydenoquendo99): Didn't post eye-popping measurables at the May 1st Showcase but displayed an impressive mix of size and quickness that had opposing offensive linemen guessing and back pedaling in one-on-ones. Did 16 reps at 225 on bench press. Oquendo played 8-Man football for Maranatha Academy his first two seasons before transferring to 6A Olathe Northwest last fall where he tallied 31 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in just seven games. Currently holds an offer from Howard University and has interest from K-State, South Dakota State, Washburn and many others.
Chaylin Peine, Anderson County, 6-3.5, 287, OL, 2022 (@chaylinpeine): Peine's impressive size and build had coaches and media in attendance at the May 1st Showcase buzzing. Chaylin posted good numbers in testing with a 5.54 40, 5.12 pro agility and 22.1 inch vertical. Also added a 7-1 broad jump and 16 bench reps at 225. Looked solid in one-on-ones and displayed good feet for his size. After watching film, one coach offered this evaluation: "Huge dude. Plays aggressively. Does well to lock on and sustain blocks in both gap and zone scheme looks." Older brother Justin, a Prairie View High School grad, plays offensive line for the University of Northern Iowa.
*Chase Poague, Southeast of Saline, 6-0.5, 161.6, ATH/KR/DB, 2022 (@ChasePoague): Poague had one of the best days at Saturday's Combine running 4.45 in the 40 with a 33.8 inch vertical jump and a 9-9 broad jump. He also recorded 4 bench reps at 185 and a 4.5 second pro agility. Poague was a versatile player for the Trojans a year ago with 23 carries for 112 yards and 1 TD, 17 receptions for 313 yards with 4 touchdowns and 234 yards on 7 kickoff returns with a 90 yard touchdown return. On defense Poague has 51 career tackles with 4 for loss, 4 interceptions, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Poague is also a top track athlete who excels at the hurdles with 110 times in the low 15s and recently posted a 39.42 in the 300s.
*Showcase update: Poague again ran 4.46 in the 40 at the May 1st Showcase while also lowering his pro agility to 4.38 and improving his vertical to 36.7 inches. His vertical jump was the best at the event and his 40 time and broad jump were also in the Top 5. Poague recently broke the SES school record in the 110-meter hurdles, previously held by former Olympian Steve Fritz, with a time of 13.96.
Braden Polifka, Quinter, 5'11.5, 232.8, OL/DL, 2023 (@BradenPolifka): Polifka posted solid numbers for an incoming junior offensive lineman at the May 1st Showcase with a 5.31 40, 4.93 pro agility, 22.2 inch vertical, 7-5 broad jump and 9 bench reps at 185 pounds. But Polifka stood out in one-on-ones where he held his own against much taller and heavier opponents from larger schools and showed off his work ethic and willingness to sacrifice by taking nearly every rep at center in his group.
Michael Polley, Bishop Carroll, 6-1, 166, DB/KR, 2022 (@michaelpolley26): Polley tested extremely well at the May 1st Showcase with a 4.49 40, 4.23 pro agility and 33.5 inch vertical. Film shows great ability to break on the ball and good open field tackling. If he could add weight, Polley could be an asset to a college defensive backfield.
*Trever Quaney, Burlingame, 6-7, 222, 2022 (@TreversQ): Quaney's test numbers won't dazzle you, but one unavoidable characteristic that should have recruiters intrigued is his size. A unanimous first team all-league selection in football and basketball, Quaney is regarded as one of the state's top 8-Man players in the Class of 2022. Bearcat football coach Jeff Slater says Quaney took a big step last year and will anchor the Bearcat defensive line this fall. Quaney ran 5.3 in the 40, a solid number for his size, but he has room for improvement in other testing. He recorded 69 total tackles a year ago with 5.5 sacks, 14 TFLs, 10 pass knockdowns and 4 blocked punts, including one for a touchdown. He'll be looked to more on the offensive side of the ball this fall as well.
*Showcase update: Ran 5.25 in the 40, posted a 23.8 inch vertical jump and 8-0 broad jump. Continues to garner interest from college coaches primarily because his frame may allow him to transition to offensive tackle at the next level.
Jalen Rice, El Dorado, 6-0, 176, LB, 2023 (@Jalen_Rice1422): A player that El Dorado coach Wes Bell is very high on, Rice could be poised for a breakout season this fall. Posted solid testing numbers at the May 1st Showcase running 4.76 in the 40 and 4.5 in the pro agility and looked good in individual work.
More Sharp Performance Showcase profiles coming soon.